Biomechanical Assessment of Muscle Forces of Thumb and Fingers for Simulated Glovebox Tasks with Three Commonly used Hand Tools

This study predicted the muscle forces of thumb and fingers for simulated glovebox tasks with three hand tools using a three-dimensional (3D) biomechanical model. Then, this study evaluated the effects of glove materials, layer of gloves donned, and glove thickness on the muscle forces. The results found muscle forces on three thumb muscles for all simulated tasks. The computed solutions also found muscle forces on five muscles in index finger for all tasks, in middle finger for roller and wrench tasks, and in ring finger for roller tasks. In addition, forces in lumbrical (LU) muscle were found in index finger for roller and wrench tasks and in middle fin- ger for wrench tasks. To minimize the mechanical stress on muscles of the hand, hypalon mate- rial could be selected since it could offer protection for thumb and ring fingers with the lowest muscle forces recorded. Triple gloving could also be selected to lower the muscle forces of the thumb and the index and ring fingers. In addition, use of thinner glovebox gloves can retain bet- ter grip and pinch strength and tactility of the working hand.